Brussels, 08/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - Four months after presenting its Single Digital market strategy, the European Commission is now preparing to launch several public consultations during the course of this month. In this perspective, the European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip, responsible for the single digital market, has arranged a meeting in Strasbourg on Tuesday 8 September for all Commissioners involved in the strategy. Those attending this work meeting will examine what approaches should be followed in this connection.
The most eagerly awaited consultations will certainly be those on geo-blocking and online platforms, which have provoked much comment over recent months. Speaking at a conference organised by the Breugel reflection group on innovation and the digital economy on Monday 7 September, Ansip stated: “We will consult extensively from September to spring next year with all parties involved. And we will carefully consider if new measures are needed and what impact they might have on incentives to innovate and deliver new services. We will approach this exercise carefully, seriously and openly”.
In his speech, Ansip highlighted a certain concern on the behalf of the European Union regarding the ultimate uses made of the data collected by major digital companies on the market. He also referred to the Commission's plan to scrupulously examine the economic behaviour and influence exerted by these platforms, given the enormous volumes of data and information they generate, accumulate and control every day. He indicated that “their role has become pivotal - and not only as an 'online gatekeeper'. There is only a very limited part of the economy that will not depend on them in the near future” and added that some platforms had obtained unprecedented market power, particularly in their relations with data providers.
The Commission Vice President asserted that they were “now gathering evidence on these issues - because first, we need to know and understand clearly whether there really are problems - and if yes, how to deal with them”. The Commission will also be examining subjects such as data access because “Platforms should be instruments of opportunity. This is important to industry”.
The public consultation on platforms is expected to take place in the middle of September and is due to be open until the spring. It will also include questions regarding the free movement of data and cloud computing.
On the subject of geo-blocking, Andrus Ansip, considers that geographical barriers have to be removed in order to allow for “the free movement of data”. He also wants “an open and vibrant data economy” based on robust data protection rules. He announced that next year, the Commission would be presenting initiatives on the free movement of data. (Isabelle Lamberty)
= = = = = = = = = = = =